gbfan41649
Member
does anybody know about this skimmer...
Tom Aquatics Pro Series Surface Skimmer Overflow Box with Aqua Lifter
Tom Aquatics Pro Series Surface Skimmer Overflow Box with Aqua Lifter
Tom Aquatics Pro Series Surface Skimmer Overflow Box with Aqua Lifter
- Thread starter gbfan41649
- Start date
gbfan41649
Member
anybody?
gbfan41649
Member
anybody no anything about these?
What is the difference over flow box and surface skimmer overflow box?
What is the difference over flow box and surface skimmer overflow box?
scsinet
Active Member
There is no difference. The "Surface Skimmer Overflow Box" is nothing more than a weir overflow, just like the ones made by CPR Aquatic (in fact, both use the same AquaLifter pump).
So overflow box... surface skimmer overflow box... same difference.
See Tom Aquatic used to make the aqua lifter for other purposes. Then one day CPR Aquatic started using them to maintain siphon in their overflow. Tom saw this, and decided to get in on the action, so now they make the overflow box as well.
I've used the CPR weirs before (though no the Tom stuff) and they are... well ... iffy. The aqualifter is more or less a means to work around a less than perfect overflow design that tends to trap air and break siphon. The problem is that the whole thing works great until that aqualifter pump fails, which DOES happen regularly (I have 2 tanks with these overflows and I keep 3 aqualifters new in box on the shelf at all times). So when that happens, the overflow eventually breaks siphon. I can't count how many times I've come close to flooding.
The U-Tube style stuff like the lifereef works much better, and more reliably, without yet another point of failure like the aqualifter.
So I haven't used the Tom overflow, but I've used the aqualifter before... cheap import crap. Unfortunately, they are the only pumps that do what they do (pump water or air) that I know of, so I'm stuck until I get rid of those overflows. So I don't know if the Tom Aqualifter's quality and longevity applies to the quality of their overflow boxes.... but I'm betting the two are not unrelated.
So overflow box... surface skimmer overflow box... same difference.
See Tom Aquatic used to make the aqua lifter for other purposes. Then one day CPR Aquatic started using them to maintain siphon in their overflow. Tom saw this, and decided to get in on the action, so now they make the overflow box as well.
I've used the CPR weirs before (though no the Tom stuff) and they are... well ... iffy. The aqualifter is more or less a means to work around a less than perfect overflow design that tends to trap air and break siphon. The problem is that the whole thing works great until that aqualifter pump fails, which DOES happen regularly (I have 2 tanks with these overflows and I keep 3 aqualifters new in box on the shelf at all times). So when that happens, the overflow eventually breaks siphon. I can't count how many times I've come close to flooding.
The U-Tube style stuff like the lifereef works much better, and more reliably, without yet another point of failure like the aqualifter.
So I haven't used the Tom overflow, but I've used the aqualifter before... cheap import crap. Unfortunately, they are the only pumps that do what they do (pump water or air) that I know of, so I'm stuck until I get rid of those overflows. So I don't know if the Tom Aqualifter's quality and longevity applies to the quality of their overflow boxes.... but I'm betting the two are not unrelated.
gbfan41649
Member
Here is the website description
The Patented Surface Skimmer Overflow efficiently skims the surface water of the aquarium, removing dissolved organics and other waste material to the filter where these contaminants and other impurities are broken down. The only Surface Skimmer that delivers automatic filter start and stop in the event of electrical power loss. As electrical power returns, the Aqua Lifter automatically initiates water flow, priming the Surface Skimmer Overflow and re-establishing aquarium filtration. This feature does not allow any aquarium water to back drain into the filter box, thus preventing flooding.
The multi directional return nozzle located at the lower corner of the skimmer box consistently delivers optimum surface water movement, increasing gas exchange and keeping waste material in suspension until they are removed by the surface skimmer over-flow system.
So with this box do you need a protien skimmer?
The Patented Surface Skimmer Overflow efficiently skims the surface water of the aquarium, removing dissolved organics and other waste material to the filter where these contaminants and other impurities are broken down. The only Surface Skimmer that delivers automatic filter start and stop in the event of electrical power loss. As electrical power returns, the Aqua Lifter automatically initiates water flow, priming the Surface Skimmer Overflow and re-establishing aquarium filtration. This feature does not allow any aquarium water to back drain into the filter box, thus preventing flooding.
The multi directional return nozzle located at the lower corner of the skimmer box consistently delivers optimum surface water movement, increasing gas exchange and keeping waste material in suspension until they are removed by the surface skimmer over-flow system.
So with this box do you need a protien skimmer?
sharkbait9
Active Member
Originally Posted by gbfan41649
Here is the website description
The Patented Surface Skimmer Overflow efficiently skims the surface water of the aquarium, removing dissolved organics and other waste material to the filter where these contaminants and other impurities are broken down. The only Surface Skimmer that delivers automatic filter start and stop in the event of electrical power loss. As electrical power returns, the Aqua Lifter automatically initiates water flow, priming the Surface Skimmer Overflow and re-establishing aquarium filtration. This feature does not allow any aquarium water to back drain into the filter box, thus preventing flooding.
The multi directional return nozzle located at the lower corner of the skimmer box consistently delivers optimum surface water movement, increasing gas exchange and keeping waste material in suspension until they are removed by the surface skimmer over-flow system.
So with this box do you need a protien skimmer?
If your keeping saltwater then yes. Some will try to keep saltwater W/O a skimmer and that’s just a problem breeding in the back ground. A skimmer is one of the most important if the most important piece of equipment you don't skimp on.
Here is the website description
The Patented Surface Skimmer Overflow efficiently skims the surface water of the aquarium, removing dissolved organics and other waste material to the filter where these contaminants and other impurities are broken down. The only Surface Skimmer that delivers automatic filter start and stop in the event of electrical power loss. As electrical power returns, the Aqua Lifter automatically initiates water flow, priming the Surface Skimmer Overflow and re-establishing aquarium filtration. This feature does not allow any aquarium water to back drain into the filter box, thus preventing flooding.
The multi directional return nozzle located at the lower corner of the skimmer box consistently delivers optimum surface water movement, increasing gas exchange and keeping waste material in suspension until they are removed by the surface skimmer over-flow system.
So with this box do you need a protien skimmer?
If your keeping saltwater then yes. Some will try to keep saltwater W/O a skimmer and that’s just a problem breeding in the back ground. A skimmer is one of the most important if the most important piece of equipment you don't skimp on.
scsinet
Active Member
Originally Posted by gbfan41649
Here is the website description
The Patented Surface Skimmer Overflow efficiently skims the surface water of the aquarium, removing dissolved organics and other waste material to the filter where these contaminants and other impurities are broken down. The only Surface Skimmer that delivers automatic filter start and stop in the event of electrical power loss. As electrical power returns, the Aqua Lifter automatically initiates water flow, priming the Surface Skimmer Overflow and re-establishing aquarium filtration. This feature does not allow any aquarium water to back drain into the filter box, thus preventing flooding.
The multi directional return nozzle located at the lower corner of the skimmer box consistently delivers optimum surface water movement, increasing gas exchange and keeping waste material in suspension until they are removed by the surface skimmer over-flow system.
So with this box do you need a protien skimmer?
A protein skimmer is a separate piece of equipment, so in the technical sense, no, you don't "need" a protein skimmer.
A protein skimmer and a surface skimmer both have "skimmer" in the name, but perform very different functions.
In saltwater tanks, proteins caused by breaking down plant and animal matter (referred to collectively as Dissolved Organic Compounds or DOCs) tend to collect on the surface of the water, due to seawater's increased surface tension. This causes a protein "scum" to accumulate on the surface of the tank, which can get so thick that it can inhibit gas exchange and block out light. So the way you address this is by using overflows that skim the water from the surface to get rid of it.
Then, once it's in the filter, it generally ends up returned back to the tank, or you can use a protein skimmer... it's purpose is to completely remove those DOCs from the water, whereas a surface skimmer just takes that protein scum and just mixes it up back in the water.
SO ideally, you have both... the surface skimmer (which again.. ANY overflow box will do) removes the scum from the surface, and a protein skimmer which removes the gunk and puts it into a container for you to remove.
SO no, you don't NEED a protein skimmer per se, but you SHOULD have one.. it sure helps as sharkbait said. Many people would consider a protein skimmer an absolutely necessary piece of equipment. Be warned... if you are on a budget... they are pricey, so be sure to budget properly for one.
Here is the website description
The Patented Surface Skimmer Overflow efficiently skims the surface water of the aquarium, removing dissolved organics and other waste material to the filter where these contaminants and other impurities are broken down. The only Surface Skimmer that delivers automatic filter start and stop in the event of electrical power loss. As electrical power returns, the Aqua Lifter automatically initiates water flow, priming the Surface Skimmer Overflow and re-establishing aquarium filtration. This feature does not allow any aquarium water to back drain into the filter box, thus preventing flooding.
The multi directional return nozzle located at the lower corner of the skimmer box consistently delivers optimum surface water movement, increasing gas exchange and keeping waste material in suspension until they are removed by the surface skimmer over-flow system.
So with this box do you need a protien skimmer?
A protein skimmer is a separate piece of equipment, so in the technical sense, no, you don't "need" a protein skimmer.
A protein skimmer and a surface skimmer both have "skimmer" in the name, but perform very different functions.
In saltwater tanks, proteins caused by breaking down plant and animal matter (referred to collectively as Dissolved Organic Compounds or DOCs) tend to collect on the surface of the water, due to seawater's increased surface tension. This causes a protein "scum" to accumulate on the surface of the tank, which can get so thick that it can inhibit gas exchange and block out light. So the way you address this is by using overflows that skim the water from the surface to get rid of it.
Then, once it's in the filter, it generally ends up returned back to the tank, or you can use a protein skimmer... it's purpose is to completely remove those DOCs from the water, whereas a surface skimmer just takes that protein scum and just mixes it up back in the water.
SO ideally, you have both... the surface skimmer (which again.. ANY overflow box will do) removes the scum from the surface, and a protein skimmer which removes the gunk and puts it into a container for you to remove.
SO no, you don't NEED a protein skimmer per se, but you SHOULD have one.. it sure helps as sharkbait said. Many people would consider a protein skimmer an absolutely necessary piece of equipment. Be warned... if you are on a budget... they are pricey, so be sure to budget properly for one.
sharkbait9
Active Member
Originally Posted by SCSInet
A protein skimmer is a separate piece of equipment, so in the technical sense, no, you don't "need" a protein skimmer.
A protein skimmer and a surface skimmer both have "skimmer" in the name, but perform very different functions.
In saltwater tanks, proteins caused by breaking down plant and animal matter (referred to collectively as Dissolved Organic Compounds or DOCs) tend to collect on the surface of the water, due to seawater's increased surface tension. This causes a protein "scum" to accumulate on the surface of the tank, which can get so thick that it can inhibit gas exchange and block out light. So the way you address this is by using overflows that skim the water from the surface to get rid of it.
Then, once it's in the filter, it generally ends up returned back to the tank, or you can use a protein skimmer... it's purpose is to completely remove those DOCs from the water, whereas a surface skimmer just takes that protein scum and just mixes it up back in the water.
SO ideally, you have both... the surface skimmer (which again.. ANY overflow box will do) removes the scum from the surface, and a protein skimmer which removes the gunk and puts it into a container for you to remove.
SO no, you don't NEED a protein skimmer per se, but you SHOULD have one.. it sure helps as sharkbait said. Many people would consider a protein skimmer an absolutely necessary piece of equipment. Be warned... if you are on a budget... they are pricey, so be sure to budget properly for one.
Yeah.... what he said
A protein skimmer is a separate piece of equipment, so in the technical sense, no, you don't "need" a protein skimmer.
A protein skimmer and a surface skimmer both have "skimmer" in the name, but perform very different functions.
In saltwater tanks, proteins caused by breaking down plant and animal matter (referred to collectively as Dissolved Organic Compounds or DOCs) tend to collect on the surface of the water, due to seawater's increased surface tension. This causes a protein "scum" to accumulate on the surface of the tank, which can get so thick that it can inhibit gas exchange and block out light. So the way you address this is by using overflows that skim the water from the surface to get rid of it.
Then, once it's in the filter, it generally ends up returned back to the tank, or you can use a protein skimmer... it's purpose is to completely remove those DOCs from the water, whereas a surface skimmer just takes that protein scum and just mixes it up back in the water.
SO ideally, you have both... the surface skimmer (which again.. ANY overflow box will do) removes the scum from the surface, and a protein skimmer which removes the gunk and puts it into a container for you to remove.
SO no, you don't NEED a protein skimmer per se, but you SHOULD have one.. it sure helps as sharkbait said. Many people would consider a protein skimmer an absolutely necessary piece of equipment. Be warned... if you are on a budget... they are pricey, so be sure to budget properly for one.
Yeah.... what he said